how do the vista CDs work?

Hi, so I just got a thinkpad and i am trying to do a clean install. However since I got ultimate I did not recieve the upgrade disc, or any other methods of achieving a clean install. So now I am currently in the process of trying to find a cd from a friend. I know the upgrade anytime disc will work. But I am wondering if say someone bought home premium would that one also work if I have my own product key for ultimate? Since I know the upgrade disc has all the versions, and from my understanding it is the key number that determines what version you get access too. Thank you very much for any help.

 

that disk should work since all (at least retail anyway) Vista disks contain every version. The only thing you'll do is enter your Ultimate's product key.

 

Okay so any vista cd (basic, business etc) or upgrade should all work? If so that is great cause then I definetly have a cd lined up.

 

yes they all contain the same stuff, the key you enter is what unlocks the version you purchased

 

yep vista discs contain all versions
including retail discs

 

I was only able to track down one, and here is what my buddy says his is.
"its an operating system dvd says it puts on windows vista home premium 32 bit but it says it should only be used to install on a dell pc"
I have a feeling that isnt going to work is it? It is just one dvd though, so it might not actually be recovery discs...

 

For an upgrade disk or aka an upgrade code which is what I have and use you can get a clean install.

Just use the disk and when it ask for your code, do not put it in! it will then let you install a trial of vista, choose the version your code is for. Then after the trial is installed you can then use the disk again and "upgrade" from the trail to the full version and it will be a clean install.

This is by the way before anybody asks 100% legal and ok'ed by microsoft they even said its "working as intended" themselves.

BTW not all vista disks are the same, one disk is x86 and the other is x64.

I got Vista for 70$ shipped, AKA Home Premium Upgrade Student Version much better than paying 200$ more just because you didnt do your research.

 

So the disc my friend has should work for me then as long as I dont put in the code initially?

 

If your code is an upgrade code, yeah you will be fine if its a standard vista disk.

A OEM disk tho may be bound to that machines motherboard or setup as a restore disk.